Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has strongly criticized Australian spinner Nathan Lyon's bold prediction that Australia will sweep the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against India by a 5-0 margin. Lyon's comments, made on the Willow Talk podcast, have sparked controversy and drawn a sharp response from Ali.Ali dismissed Lyon's prediction as "stupid," arguing that such remarks should not come from a cricketer. He pointed out that India has dominated Australia in the past two BGT series and that Lyon's comments were disrespectful. Ali urged Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to respond to Lyon's challenge and predict a 5-0 victory for India.Despite the BGT series being several months away, players from both sides have begun expressing their excitement and making bold predictions. While Lyon believes Australia will cruise to victory, his compatriot Travis Head has acknowledged the strength of the Indian team. Head stated that India is "extremely difficult" to play against and that he is looking forward to contributing to Australia's success in the upcoming series.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia is one of the most highly anticipated events in the cricketing calendar. The first Test will be played in Perth on November 22, and the series is expected to be fiercely competitive.

Shreyas Iyer's Duleep Trophy Failure Draws Criticism from Former Pakistan Batter Basit AliIndia batter Shreyas Iyer's dismal performance in the first innings of the Duleep Trophy match against India A has sparked criticism from former Pakistan batter Basit Ali. Iyer, who captained India D, failed to make an impact, getting dismissed for a duck after facing just seven deliveries.Ali expressed disappointment over Iyer's lack of contribution, stating that he "should've scored 100-200 runs." He questioned Iyer's concentration and hunger for Test cricket, suggesting that the batter is more focused on boundaries than the longer format of the game."As a cricketer, it saddens me to see him. If you are getting out in front, your concentration isn't in the game. And especially the red-ball game. He has scored two centuries in the World Cup, he's an IPL-winning captain, he should've scored 100-200 runs here," Ali said on his YouTube channel.Ali further expressed doubts about Iyer's desire for Test cricket, stating that he lacks the determination required for the format. "Iyer doesn't have the hunger for red-ball cricket anymore. He's only hungry for boundaries. You should prioritize it. If he's thinking he is similar to Virat Kohli after hitting two centuries in World Cup, no, it doesn't happen that way," he added.Iyer's poor performance in the Duleep Trophy comes after a string of subpar performances in the Test format. He has failed to reach the 50-run mark in his previous 13 outings, leading to his exclusion from the Indian Test squad.Ali's criticism highlights the concerns surrounding Iyer's Test credentials. The batter will need to rediscover his form and demonstrate a greater hunger for the longer format if he wants to regain his place in the Indian Test team.

Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali has once again criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, following the team's recent struggles. Pakistan's humiliating Test series loss against Bangladesh and their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 group stages have put immense pressure on the team and its management.Ali slammed Naqvi's leadership, stating that his promises to fix Pakistan's cricket are mere "gimmicks." He cited the views of Indian cricket legends Sourav Ganguly and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have also expressed concerns about Pakistan's decline."Mohsin Naqvi, please open your eyes," Ali said on YouTube. "You say you will fix Pakistan's cricket, but it cannot happen like this. It is the bitter truth."Ali pointed out that Ashwin had questioned the lack of quality spinners in Pakistan, while Ganguly had commented on the deterioration of Pakistan's cricket. "The promises made to fix Pakistan's cricket are nothing but gimmicks," Ali asserted.Meanwhile, former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal called for the resumption of cricket matches between Pakistan and India in their respective countries. He emphasized the strong bond between the two nations and the immense popularity of such matches."Even if the India versus Pakistan match happens on the moon, it will be huge," Ajmal said. "There is a lot of love between India and Pakistan, and we must go to each other's countries."Pakistan last toured India in 2012/13, while India's last visit to Pakistan was in 2008. Since 2007, there has been no Test series between the two teams due to political tensions.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has earned widespread acclaim for his exceptional bowling skills. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has recently heaped praise on Bumrah, stating that his unique action would pose a threat to batters even on cement pitches.Bumrah's unorthodox bowling style has been a subject of discussion throughout his career. Despite initial skepticism about his ability to succeed in Test cricket, Bumrah has silenced critics with his impressive performances. He boasts an average of just 20.69 and a strike rate of 45.1 in the longest format of the game.Ali highlighted Bumrah's ability to deceive batters with his awkward action. "Even if you play Bumrah on a cement pitch, his awkward action could deceive batters. That is the reality. Not the rest of the bowlers. For the rest, it depends on form and rhythm," Ali said on his YouTube channel.Bumrah's versatility extends beyond his Test prowess. He has also been instrumental in India's success in limited-overs cricket, winning the Player of the Tournament award in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Ali praised Bumrah's ability to pick up wickets with deliveries typically used in white-ball cricket."He comes in, takes a wicket and then picks three in his next spell. He is very deceptive, his slower one is accurate. Usually, the deliveries you bowl in white-ball cricket, he picks wickets on such deliveries in the Test format. He is special," Ali said.Despite his impressive performances, Bumrah was not named as the vice-captain for India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. This decision has raised eyebrows, as Bumrah has assumed deputy roles in recent Test series. However, it may indicate that the BCCI and Gautam Gambhir are considering a more long-term captaincy option.Bumrah has already claimed 159 wickets in just 36 Test matches and is rapidly approaching the 200-wicket mark. He will be joined by Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and debutant Yash Dayal in the pace attack during the Bangladesh series.

Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam has witnessed a significant drop in his ICC Test rankings, falling to the ninth position. This decline comes amidst a string of poor performances in the longest format of the game. In the recent Test against Bangladesh, Babar managed scores of 22 and 0, contributing to Pakistan's stunning defeat.Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali believes that Babar's ranking drop could serve as a catalyst for improvement. He suggests that the former Pakistan captain will be motivated to perform well in the series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh. Basit also advocates for a reduction in Babar's ODI ranking, arguing that he is not the number one batter in that format.Basit criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for organizing the Champions Cup, a domestic 50-over tournament, after the Test series against Bangladesh. He urged the PCB to emulate India's approach by organizing more red-ball tournaments."India is right next to us, please copy their system too," Basit said. "The Duleep Trophy is about to begin. Is it a T20 or One-Day tournament? It is a four-day tournament. They are focused on making their base stronger, which is why they are so successful."Basit's comments highlight the need for Pakistan to prioritize red-ball cricket and develop a stronger foundation for its Test team. The upcoming second Test against Bangladesh will be a crucial opportunity for Babar Azam to regain his form and inspire his team to victory.

Pakistan's humiliating defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test has ignited a firestorm of criticism, prompting former cricketer Basit Ali to urge the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to emulate India's domestic system. Ali lamented the PCB's decision to host a One-Day tournament after the Bangladesh Tests, emphasizing the need for a stronger focus on red-ball cricket."Pakistan has copied systems from England, Australia, and New Zealand in the past, but right now, they should look at India and try to mimic their domestic system," Ali said. "India is right next to us, please copy their system too. You need intelligence in copying as well. Just copy what India is doing. The Duleep Trophy is about to begin. Is it a T20 or One-Day tournament? It is a four-day tournament. They are focused on making their base stronger, which is why they are so successful."In response to the criticism, the PCB has recalled Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam to the Test squad for the second Test against Bangladesh. Both players had been released from the squad for the first Test but have since impressed in a four-day match for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh 'A'.Abrar, a leg-spinner, is expected to provide Pakistan with additional spin options, while Kamran, a middle-order batsman, brings depth and stability to the batting lineup. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's spearhead fast bowler, has also rejoined the squad after being released at the conclusion of the first Test.The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 30 to September 3. Pakistan will be desperate to level the series and avoid a humiliating defeat to their neighbors.

Pakistan's dismal performance in the opening Test against Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism from former cricketer Basit Ali, who has singled out Abdullah Shafique for his reckless shot selection.Pakistan's decision to declare at 448/6 in the first innings proved costly as Bangladesh outplayed them in all departments. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side scripted history by clinching a 10-wicket win in Rawalpindi, marking their first Test victory against Pakistan.Pakistan's downfall began after Bangladesh took a 117-run lead. On Day 5, wickets fell in quick succession, but Shafique held his ground and accumulated runs. However, his hopes of a respectable total were dashed when he attempted a reckless shot against Shakib Al Hasan.Basit Ali has slammed Shafique's shot as the turning point of the match. "If I was in the dressing room, I would have told Abdullah Shafique to pack his bags and leave. His shot was the reason Pakistan lost the match. After hitting 37, you are giving away your wicket with such a shot. Shan Masood should punish Shafique. This is Pakistan's team, not your local team," Basit said on his YouTube channel.Shafique was not the only batsman to give away his wicket cheaply. Naseem Shah also attempted a glory shot when holding the fort was crucial. "Look at the way Naseem Shah gave away his wicket. This is Pakistan cricket, not street cricket, this happens in England's league cricket," Basit added.Apart from poor shot selection, Pakistan's failure to read the pitch conditions was another factor in their defeat. The decision to field an all-out pace attack backfired as Bangladesh's spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz combined to take nine wickets.Basit believes Pakistan's Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, misjudged the pitch. "Both Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie lost their opening matches. They both made mistakes. Kirsten made a mistake in the Super Over against the US, and Jason made a mistake in reading the pitch," he noted.Pakistan will aim to level the series in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 30.

Abdullah Shafique's reckless dismissal in the first Test against Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism from former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali. Pakistan's hopes of salvaging a draw were dashed when Shafique attempted a reckless shot against Shakib Al Hasan, resulting in his dismissal and ultimately the team's defeat.Ali expressed his frustration, stating that Shafique's shot was the reason Pakistan lost the match. He emphasized that such irresponsible play is unacceptable in international cricket and that Shafique should be held accountable for his actions.Another player who came under fire was Naseem Shah, who also gave away his wicket cheaply. Ali criticized Shah's shot selection, calling it "street cricket" and not befitting of the Pakistan team.Pakistan's inability to read the pitch conditions was also a major factor in their loss. Despite the presence of two quality spinners in Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Pakistan opted for an all-out pace attack, which proved to be a costly mistake.Ali believes that Pakistan's head coach, Jason Gillespie, misjudged the pitch and made a tactical error in excluding Abrar Ahmed from the squad. He compared Gillespie's mistake to that of Gary Kirsten, who made a similar error in the Super Over against the United States in the 2007 T20 World Cup.Pakistan will have a chance to redeem themselves in the second Test, which begins on August 30 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, they will need to address their batting frailties and make better decisions on the field if they want to level the series.

Jasprit Bumrah's Captaincy Aspirations Draw Mixed Reactions from Former Pakistan CricketerIndian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah's recent comments about the potential for pace bowlers to excel as captains have sparked a debate within the cricketing community. While Bumrah believes that fast bowlers possess the necessary leadership qualities, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed a different perspective.In an interview, Bumrah cited the successful captaincies of Kapil Dev and Imran Khan, who led India and Pakistan to World Cup victories, respectively. However, Ali argues that both Dev and Khan were appointed as captains only after they had established themselves as all-rounders, not just bowlers."About Jasprit Bumrah's statement, it's just like how Babar Azam likes captaincy. In my opinion, he should not chase captaincy. He is a top-class bowler and should be focusing just on that," Ali said in a video on his YouTube channel.Ali further clarified the distinction between a bowler and an all-rounder when it comes to leadership roles. "He gave the examples of Kapil Dev and Imran Khan's captaincy. However, they had become all-rounders, which is why they succeeded as captains. They were not appointed captains when they came into their teams as bowlers. This is the difference between a bowler and an all-rounder."While acknowledging the success of Australian pacer Pat Cummins as a captain, Ali pointed out that there are very few fast bowlers who have thrived in the role of a captain or coach."He also spoke about Pat Cummins. Yes, Cummins is a good captain, but there are very few fast bowlers who can become a good coach or captain. My best wishes to Jasprit Bumrah. There is a chance that he could be made the captain after the Champions Trophy," Ali added.Bumrah has previously led India as a stand-in captain during the one-off Test against England at Edgbaston in 2022 and also captained India to a 2-0 victory in a three-match T20I series against Ireland last year.